Claims vs truth
- Acts 8:6-13 – Simon was practicing magic and claiming to be someone great.
- Simon immediately saw there was a difference between what he was doing and what Philip was doing. It was real power and was not done to promote Philip himself.
- It’s easy to claim anything, but people need truth.
It’s hard to kick old habits
- Acts 8:14-24
- Mark 16:16
- Simon was saved through baptism, then sinned and needed to repent. This disproves the “once saved, always saved” doctrine. See Galatians 5:4; James 5:19-20.
- Simon had built a reputation as a magician and was likely used to the attention.
- Acts 8:21 – Simon’s problem was his heart.
- I John 2:16
The gospel is for all
- Acts 8:5, 12-13, 22 – Philip went to teach the Samaritans, a group hated by the Jews.
- Galatians 3:28
- You can find hope in the gospel.
- Anyone can find hope in the gospel.
- Everybody has a soul!